Eddis, Attolia, Sounis

Welcome! I just finished re-reading this very section, moments before opening your post. In response: I think we have to remember the social organization in the three countries is rigid. An eddissian can't just move off the mountain, buy some lowland property, and slide right into society. There is a class system that keeps people in their places, literally and figuratively. The three countries must begin to be one people if the Eddissians are to find a place outside of their mountains. Perhaps Hephestia is making sure that her chosen people have a place in lowland society and can make a life for themselves, rather than fleeing the eruption in haste to be made subjects and beggars in the lowlands. Hmmm...even Attolia realized that shaking up the class system was the way to unify her country under her rule. She offers her loyal okloi promotion and land for service. Hello, upward mobility! Political and class barriers are being broken. So you see, the countries must be truly unified not just to fight off the vile Mede, but to ensure that Eddis can be absorbed by the other two countries when it not longer has a mountain to call home. At least those are my late-night musings on the mysterious conclusion of aCofK. Glad you've joined us!